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Pretty Sharp Caran d’Ache in Brut Rosé

Caran d’Ache comes from the word “karandash”, the Russian word for ‘pencil’ from Turkish roots “kara tash”, which means ‘black stone’ – the origins of graphite. This natural material found in the mountains of Switzerland gave rise to the first Swiss pencil factory set up in Geneva in 1915, that later became Caran d’Ache. The company is 103 years old today.

Caran d’Ache Pencil Making

Sharp Innovation

In 1933, Caran d’Ache introduced a pencil sharpening machine. At the time, it became popular for its innovation, precision and excellence but we were yet to elevate it to a cult design icon.

The desk-mounted rotary pencil sharpener has stood the test of time and on its 80th birthday in 2013 saw a redesign.

Rotary Pencil Sharpener Matterhorn Edition

Caran d’Ache Matterhorn Pencil Sharpener

The 2016 re-issue saw a limited series ‘Matterhorn’ collector’s edition clad in company signature red colour and featuring the eponymous silhouette of the Matterhorn. The retro-chic design allowed the sharpening of different diameters of pencil and to choose your favoured type of tip.

A clamp is supplied so the machine can be mounted onto a desk, table or bookcase. It can be used to sharpen any round, hexagonal or triangular pencils and pastels, from 4mm to 10mm in diameter.

The metal box supplied was oversized to house your precious machine in comfort and safety, while decorated with that quintessential symbol of Switzerland – the Matterhorn. As a nod to the height of the massive mountain in metres, Caran d’Ache issued 4,478 numbered pieces of the rotary pencil sharpener ‘Matterhorn’ Edition.

Rotary Pencil Sharpener Brut Rosé Edition

Caran d’Ache Brut Rose Pencil Sharpener retro-packaging

This year, Caran d’Ache issues its pencil sharpening machine in Brut Rosé as a sparkling exclusive edition of 4478 pieces, in honour of the height in metres of the Matterhorn.

Check out the retro-packaging with a paper band around the tin.

Caran d’Ache Brut Rose Rotary Pencil Sharpener

The iridescent pink hue is so provocative on a vintage-look industrial machine.

You can even colour coordinate with the Brut Rosé version of the ballpoint pen

Caran d’Ache Brut Rose Pen

AlphaLuxe Comment

The Brut Rosé sharpening machine is the dazzling must-have design object from Caran d’Ache for the 2018 Gift Season.

Caran d’Ache Brut Rose Pencil Sharpener

At £210, it’s special but still affordable luxury for you pencil-heads!

Author’s Biography: Melvyn Teillol-Foo (MTF)

Dr Melvyn Teillol-Foo is a contributor on AlphaLuxe web-zine.He was former CEO of PuristSPro.com horology discussion fora. He blends his scientific medical objectivity from the pharmaceutical industry with purist passion, in his musings about watches, travel, wine, food and other epicurean delights.His travelogue ‘Lazing’ and feasting ‘Grazing’ series of articles have now passed into “mythic legend” on the original ‘ThePuristS.com’ website. Those were the halcyon days when he was “rich and famous” that he remembers with bittersweet fondness.

Dr Teillol-Foo is a quoted enthusiast on the watch industry, appearing in feature articles and interviews by Wall Street Journal, International Herald Tribune, Sunday Times (London), Chronos (Japan), Citizen Hedonist (France) and other publications. He has authored articles for magazines like International Watch (iW) – both U.S. & Chinese editions, ICON (Singapore), August Man (Singapore), Comfort (China) and The Watch (Hong Kong).